The HomeGirls

 We're wrapping up Season 4, not with fencing, but an announcement. Join us for a walk down memory lane. Thanks for another great season!

Is it Fiber Cement Board or is it Hardie Siding…or is it both? In this episode we discuss FSB and all of its variations, while also highlighting how Joanna Gaines fooled us all into moving to Waco.  

Living in the two story New York condo that overlooks Central Park sounds like a dream, but may also be a Gossip Girl-level nightmare. In this episode we discuss the ups and downs of Condo living and why HOAs are evil…get ready upper east siders.

Have you ever wanted to live in a home the size of a walk-in closet? In this episode we discover the hidden history of Trailers, Modular Homes, and Tiny homes; we also find out that Isis is blessed enough not to know who the Duggars are.   

Let's talk about how gas went from eco-hero to eco-zero. In this episode we discuss the invisible vapor that runs our lives.

Imagine living in Houston, Texas without AC…you can't because you couldn't. In this episode we discuss the hot and cold of HVAC systems while sitting in our fruit fly filled podcasting studio.

In this episode we discuss how gross water wells are, and relive the trauma of Baby Jessica falling down a well. Fun times for all!

Is it a Sprinkler System or an Irrigation System? This episode hashes out that age-old argument and more!

Fireplaces are the OG HVAC system, the OG oven/cooktop, and the OG TV. In this episode we head back to the middle ages to discover how fireplaces have and have not changed. Numerous digressions include: America's Funniest Home Videos, King of the Hill, and Mary Poppins.

Our Season 4 Premier kicks off with a discussion on EIFS. EIFS was meant to replace stucco…and it definitely just made things worse. Prepare for a strong discussion on anarchy and rotted houses.

Our season 3 finale tackles Building Codes! The idea of Building Codes seems pretty straight forward until you consider that there are different codes for each state, county, and city in the United States...a spooky concept for our Spooky Season episode. Side note: thanks for listening in 2021 and we look forward to chatting with you in 2022!

Air pollution is bad so we shouldn't go outside, right? WRONG! In this episode we learn how everything in our homes, cars, and clothing is going to kill us. Be prepared to doubt everything you know.

Sure raccoons are cute, but they can also turn you into a zombie. In this episode, we dive into the world of the rats, mice, raccoons, and armadillos. Make sure you wash your hands after listening to this episode.

Texas has giant flying cockroaches and that is all you need to know...

Arsenic sounds like a pretty serious thing to be worried about in your home...turns out it's pretty minor. In this episode we talk about how arsenic went from political tool to occasional inconvenience. Fair warning: there are quite few digressions along the way.

The Greeks and Romans really did have it all: fancy armor, big parties, and lead poisoning? This episode we talk about one of the most controversial household dangers: lead. Learn how our homes used to be filled with lead and, in some cases, still are.

Imagine a magical material that would prevent a house from burning down, clothes from catching on fire, and fire-proof furniture...that is asbestos. In this episode we explore the tale of a shiny rock that was supposed to save mankind, until it killed everyone who touched it. Mesothelioma is more than an annoying commercial that played during Saturday Morning Cartoons, it is the end result of a story of how money always wins.

We always knew the government was secretly poisoning us. In this episode we discuss the history of pesticides and what to look out for in your home. Enjoy this episode until the FBI decides to take it down...

It's lurking in your basement, coming for you and your family. This episode we discuss another odorless, invisible gas: Radon. Turns out breathing in radiation is actually really really bad for you.

Our Season 3 premiere starts off with a silent killer. This season we will be focusing on household dangers, starting with the scariest one of all: Carbon Monoxide. Let's discuss what Aristotle was trying to warn us about all along.

Part Two of our Two Part Season Finale discusses the Phase II and Phase III Inspections. Get ready for a surprising twist as we close out Season Two and 2020 with a satisfying ending. See [talk to] you in 2021!

Part One of a Two Part Season Finale introduces the New Construction Phase Inspections. Turns out a foundation is more than just poured concrete! In this episode, we try our best to explain what's holding your house up and why you shouldn't listen to Builders.

We take our windows for granted, after all, they only protect us from weather, insulate our house, and add delicate sunshine to a room...no big deal. In this episode we finally give windows the justice they deserve.

Sit back, relax, and let us tell you the Urban Legend of the Statchy Boys. Our Spooky Season episode details the terrifying history of mold; where it comes from; and how it eats your house. Prepare to sleep with your lights on and your bathroom air vent running...

Nothing like a symbol of wealth and prosperity hanging off the back of your house. In this episode, we'll discuss the deck as a status symbol, different types of decking, and why Houston is such an exciting place to live. We're giving off major big deck energy here.

Vinyl, and wood, and stucco OH MY! In this episode, we face the demanding wind and discuss the various types of siding found on homes. Exciting cameo by the US Census Bureau, SpongeBob Memes, and that one meme with the guy holding a butterfly...

What sounds like the most boring topic ever ends up being very exciting. In this episode we head back to Ancient Babylon where we discover that throwing poop in your moat is a relatively recent invention. What does this have to do with how water moves around a property? You'll have to listen to find out!

A pool is the ultimate status symbol, right? Well, yes if you can afford to replace the tiny fossils that filter the water...In this episode we take a deep dive into residential pools: the good, the bad, and the mysterious floating object. Special guest star: a bear!

What happens when you have an unhappy attic? You have an unhappy home...in this episode we discuss why your attic needs to be not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

Our Season 2 premiere starts off with a bang as we discuss septic systems and what happens when lightning strikes your toilet. Put your galoshes on and prepare to step into the wild world of personal sewage treatment plants. 

Our Season One Finale! In this episode we sing the sad song of P-22; discuss the pros and cons of insulating your crawl space; and do a quick follow-up on The Predator. 

In this episode, we take on the Governator himself as we look for anomalies in a place that has no rules. As it turns out, infrared technology is a handy tool to wage war; make cheesy movies; and find water stains in a home...we'll also talk about the guy that discovered Uranus.

The topic of Roofing and flashing takes us back to 40,000 BCE when man used mammoth hides to keep dry. In this episode, we cover 42,000 years of history and figure out what exactly flashing is...This episode is rated PG for bad jokes about flashing.

There was an American Civil War followed by an Inspection Civil War. In this episode, we discuss the history of the home inspection; the tools an inspector uses; and the difference between ASHI and Internachi.

In this episode we shake, rattle, and roll as we discuss the slab and pier and beam foundation. We also create a new drinking game centered around Foundation Cracks.

The Termite Queen invades in this episode as we discuss the 4 major wood-destroying insects: Termites, Carpenter Ants, Powderpost Beetles, and Wood-Boring Beetles (John, Paul, George, and Ringo). 

We didn't start the fire but oxidation did. In this episode, we explore the history of electricity; the dangers of aluminum wiring; and the story of one of the most famous nightclub fires in American history. 

Stucco is the best exterior your home can have...until it isn't. In this episode we explore the pros and cons of stucco; try to figure out why stucco is always installed incorrectly, and have a quick chat with Stucco Spec's Beth Harbinson. 

What is the hydrostatic test and does my house need it? In this episode, we dive deep into the city sewer and unclog this history of waste pipes and the modern problems they pose. 

Have you ever wondered what's going on inside the walls of your home?  The Homegirls, Mary, and Isis are here to explore the interesting, scary, and hilarious things that make up your home.

What happens when your water pipes fail at their one job: bringing water through your home… In our explosive first episode, we explore the ins and outs of galvanized piping. Prepare to open your umbrella indoors and have your galoshes ready, because galvanized pipes are exploding around town and the HomeGirls are here to tell you why.